Thrustmaster T598 Racing Wheel (PS5/PS4/PC) — Direct Drive Review — An oddly-shaped underdog introduces novel motor technology to successfully democratize PlayStation direct-drive racing, despite cutting corners on the peripherals

Thrustmaster’s weirdly shaped new axial drive wheel completely disrupts the PlayStation sim racing market for just $500. It’s a piece of hardware that looks like it was designed by someone who has never seen a desk, yet it delivers a level of force feedback that makes every belt-driven wheel on the market look like a relic from the Stone Age.

What you're actually getting

The T598 is a strange beast. When you pull it out of the box, you’re met with a wheelbase that is, frankly, massive and awkwardly shaped. It doesn't sit neatly on a desk like a traditional unit; it demands real estate and attention. But once you mount it and hit the track, the aesthetics stop mattering. This is a direct axial drive motor that provides a level of smoothness that is genuinely shocking at this price point. As Boosted Media put it, the T598 is "absolutely unequivocally better than every single one of those belt or cog driven alternatives."

The secret sauce here is the "overshoot" feature. While the motor provides a consistent 5 Nm of torque, it can burst up to 10 Nm when the game demands it—like hitting a curb or catching a slide. It’s not just a marketing gimmick; it adds a layer of physical urgency to your driving that makes the T300 or G29 feel like toys. You aren't just feeling the road; you're feeling the chassis react to the violence of the track.

However, Thrustmaster clearly had to cut costs somewhere to hit that $500 price tag. The included pedals are a massive letdown—they’re tiny, flimsy, and the brake pedal feels like you're stepping on a sponge. The steering wheel rim itself is equally disappointing, covered in tacky fake carbon fiber that feels cheap to the touch. It’s a high-performance engine wrapped in a budget-grade body kit.

Sound — what reviewers actually heard

Where it actually wins

The T598 wins because it democratizes direct drive for the PlayStation ecosystem. Before this, if you wanted a DD wheel on a PS5, you were looking at a significantly higher barrier to entry with Fanatec. Thrustmaster has effectively killed the mid-range belt-drive market overnight. The force feedback is incredibly clean, with zero cogging, which allows you to catch slides and feel the weight transfer of the car with a precision that was previously impossible at this price.

The overshoot technology is the real hero here. As aarava noted, "The big winner for me was that force feedback overshoot of 100 percent." It provides that visceral, sharp kick when you need it most, making the driving experience feel alive. If you’re a console racer who has been stuck on a gear-driven wheel, this is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your lap times and your enjoyment of the hobby.

Where it falls short

The biggest issue is the physical footprint. As OC Racing pointed out, "It's a strange, large wheelbase that takes up valuable space on your rig or desk." If you’re a bedroom racer with a cramped setup, this thing is going to be a headache to mount and manage. It’s not a sleek, compact unit that disappears into your workspace.

Then there’s the ecosystem problem. If you’re on PC, the T598 is a harder sell. Competitors like Moza offer a more refined, modular experience with better build quality on their rims and pedals. Thrustmaster’s on-base menu navigation is also a chore; without a dedicated software suite that feels modern, you’ll spend more time fumbling with buttons on the base than actually tuning your car. If you aren't tied to the PlayStation ecosystem, you’re likely going to find the plastic-heavy construction and the subpar pedal set frustrating within a few months of ownership.

Should you buy it?

Buy if you:

• Race primarily on PlayStation 5 and want a true direct drive experience without spending a fortune.
• Are currently using a belt or gear-driven wheel and want a massive, immediate jump in force feedback fidelity.
• Value raw motor performance over the premium feel of the steering rim or pedal set.

Skip if you:

• Race exclusively on PC, where Moza or Fanatec ecosystems offer better value and higher-quality peripherals.
• Have a limited desk space or a non-adjustable rig that can't accommodate a bulky, awkwardly shaped wheelbase.
• Expect a "premium" feel; the fake carbon fiber and basic pedals will leave you wanting more.

The T598 is an unbeatable direct drive entry point for PlayStation users, but PC racers have better options.

Sources consulted

• Boosted Media — A NEW ERA OF SIM RACING? - Thrustmaster T598 Direct Axial Drive Review
• Sim Sport Gadget — How to Pick Wheel Setup for Playstation in 2025 (Budget to Pro)
• OC Racing — Thrustmaster T598 Review | Don't Be Fooled...
• aarava — My NEW F1 Racing Wheel Setup...the Thrustmaster T598

Synthesis combines independent reviews above. Verdicts and quotes attributed to original creators. Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases via Amazon links.